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One of the defining characteristics of the Obama presidency has been the commander in chief's surprisingly excellent taste in restaurants, most recently put on display during this week's visit to Sukiyabashi Jiro, the three-Michelin-star restaurant immortalized in Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Here are 21 times Obama exercised his ability to score seats at some very hot spots.

Where: Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop, ChicagoWhen: August 2001
Back when he was a state senator, Obama liked to frequent Dixie Kitchen, a mini-chain of southern restaurants. In a 2001 episode of Check, Please!, he warned, "Those johnnycakes, they'll get you early, and you won't have room for the peach cobbler!"

Where: Sylvia’s, HarlemWhen: November 2007
Before delivering a speech at the Apollo, then–presidential candidate Obama got dinner with Al Sharpton, who told the Daily News, "A man who likes fried chicken and cornbread can't be all that bad."

Where: Dooky Chase, New OrleansWhen: February 2008
Dr. Norman Francis, the president of Xavier University, took the president to Dooky Chase, where legendary owner Leah Chase served him a bowl of gumbo. Obama then got chastised by Chase for putting hot sauce on the gumbo before trying it. Still, it's become a favorite restaurant of his ever since, and he made sure to get takeout from there in October 2009 during a four-hour stopover.

Where: Ben's Chili Bowl, Washington, D.C.When: January 2009
Obama made his first visit to the chili institution with then-mayor Adrian Fenty, where they ordered the chili half-smoke with mustard, onions, and chili sauce — and washed it all down with iced tea.

Where: Equinox, Washington, D.C.When: January 2009
On their first night out in D.C., Obama took Michelle to Equinox — not the gym — for her 45th birthday.

Where: Spiaggia, ChicagoWhen: March 2009
After watching the Bulls tank a game against the Wizards, Obama went to dinner at one of his mainstays. Chef Tony Mantuano flew in for the occasion to present the president with his favorite dish of wood-roasted scallops. Obama took a photo with Mantuano and called him his “favorite chef.” The Obamas have spent many special occasions there, including their anniversary in 2008.

Where: Blue Hill, New York When: May 2009
Obama had a date night with Michelle at Dan Barber’s New York restaurant. After trying not to stare, the patrons reportedly erupted into applause when the first couple exited the restaurant.

Where: Il Mulino, New YorkWhen: September 2009
Obama and Bill Clinton caused a huge scene when they sat down for lunch at this pricey Greenwich Village spot.

Where: Restaurant Nora, Washington, D.C.When: January 2010, November 2013
For Michelle’s 46th birthday, the Obamas had dinner at Restaurant Nora, known for its locally sourced and organic produce. He ordered pan-seared Maine lobster and saffron risotto, like a boss.

Where: Topolobampo, ChicagoWhen: October 2010
According to Rick Bayless, the Obamas have been regular customers for years. "They just like to explore the whole menu. They’re our favorite kind of customer because they say, 'What’s new on the menu?'”

Where: Red Rooster, New YorkWhen: March 2011
Marcus Samuelsson's Harlem restaurant hosted Obama and a group of 50 guests. Cornbread for all!

Where: Daniel, New YorkWhen: June 2011
Obama took in a whopping $2.5 million from donors at the Upper East Side restaurant, which served a menu of lobster salad, kobe beef, and rock-shrimp spring rolls.

Where: Good Stuff Eatery, Washington, D.C.When: August 2011
After concluding the debt deal, the Obama motorcade made a pit stop at Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn’s burger joint. He told Politico, "Michelle eats here all the time, but I don't get out."

Where: Gotham Bar & Grill, New YorkWhen: November 2011
Caroline Kennedy, Jerry Seinfeld, and Susan Sarandon all paid $35,800 per head to eat a menu of dry-aged steak and apple strudel — and schmooze with Obama.